SPA Modeler

This project was a lot of fun for me, and it served not only as a learning experience but also an opportunity for me to see that the realism I’m looking to capture and my wildly vivid imagination can indeed exist in harmony on a single project. I wanted to insinuate Star Wars into WWII, specifically the Afrika Korps, and I wanted to make it almost believable in the sense that the vehicle is painted and weathered as realistically as it could get, with what experience and tools I have at my disposal. I was able to level up my experience with airbrushing as well as oil paints, and weathering in-general, and I’m happy with the outcome.

Thanks for looking!

Kenny, that looks great! My only critique would be on the decals in that some have their carrier film visible. Not so much slivering, as thickness. Not much that you can do about that aside from trimming back the carrier film as close to the marking as possible. My guess is that they are Tamiya decals? Those tend to be on the thick side.
But seriously, that is a sweet piece of an imagineering build!

They were Peddinghaus actually. I tried a method which my buddy Jas suggested, which did make the film less obviously but yeah... I’ll be on the lookout for that in the future.

Interesting. I have some Peddinghaus decals in my stash. But I’ve never used any so far. I’ll make sure to trim them extra close based off what I see here.
Seriously that is a sweet build, And I know how the digital camera makes things far more visible that you can see with your eye in person.

They are far less obvious in-person. Even up-close. Which is why I’m not sweating it.

HOWEVER, moving forward-

1. I’m trimming all aftermarket decals close
2. Doing Jas’ clear coats procedure if the film appear thick, with wet sanding as necessary
3. Not using Peddinghaus decals anymore

The crosses are Tamiya decals, and ironically: they’re PERFECT

The decal issue is now officially a dead horse.

Sorry I've not commented much on the WIP much Kenny, but I HAVE been following it.

What an brilliant looking build - I think you've realised your vision very well, nailed it in fact.
The only thing I'd like to have seen, if it was me, is a little bit of stowage on the top deck with maybe a period rifle or MP-40, just to give it a bit more cross-over. But I can't fault the build because it's awesome.

I've seen a few similar builds of the same idea e.g. German Sci-fi (but not starwars) - this is the best one I've seen to date. Well done mate

It’s all good! And thanks for coming in with the good word. I have lots to catch up on here myself, as this one kind of sucked me in and I wasn’t able to focus on much else.

I have to say, stowage is a brilliant idea. Absolutely brilliant and I kinda wish i’d thought of that. But hey, there’s always next time and it’s always good to have suggestions and ideas on the short list for when we get started on other projects. And Stuart, that idea is a definite keeper for the next time I do one of these types of projects.

portman wrote:
The only thing I'd like to have seen, if it was me, is a little bit of stowage on the top deck with maybe a period rifle or MP-40, just to give it a bit more cross-over.

The stowage idea is a great idea. But I’d suggest something more like a helmet or canteen. The loose unattended weapon is a huge no go for soldiers of any army, and a terrible cliche perpetrated by modelers. If a figure is there, a weapon could be within arms reach for close combat use. But left there by itself invites loss by “unauthorized acquisition” methods...

Oooooh! That’s a good point!

¨Jeez, I find this AT-ST just so perfect!

And the whitewash is something I also want to try,

- Kari